Telecommunications enhancement user interface system and method

ABSTRACT

A telecommunications interface system is operably coupled to customer premises termination equipment such as a telephone or facsimile machine for controlling signal transmissions to and from a public or private communication network. The interface system can be incorporated into the termination equipment, or can be contained in a housing that is externally connected between the termination equipment and a wall jack providing access to the telecommunications network. The interface system has a memory device for storing data representative of information such as long distance access codes and service providers. Each access code provides access to a long distance service provided by a service provider. A data processing system is provided that performs data processing functions on data stored in the memory device. The interface system also includes a visual display device for displaying information relating to one of the long distance providers based upon data stored in the memory device. Two push-button switches allow a user to change provider information displayed on the display device by scrolling through provider information stored in the memory device. When a desired provider is displayed, the user selects that carrier by pressing a carrier push-button switch. The system then transmits a dial signal indicating the access code for the selected service to the network. Push-button switches are provided that trigger the system to dial preprogrammed area code information stored in the memory device when pressed. Additional push-button switches trigger the system to dial preprogrammed toll free codes also stored in the memory device when pressed.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is the National Stage Application of PCT ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US96/11710 filed Jul. 15, 1996.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to telecommunications, and more particularly, toa telephone enhancement user interface operatively connected to atelephone station or facsimile machine that allows a user to selectivelyplace a long distance call using one of a plurality of long distanceservice providers, and to easily dial frequently used long distanceprefixes and "800" or "888" toll free numbers.

Dialing a long distance call often requires dialing a myriad of numbersfor prefixes and codes before actually dialing a telephone number toconnect the call to a target destination. Telephone companies haveindicated that with the proliferation of cellular telephones, facsimilemachines and computer modem usage, the problem is only going to getworse. Additional area codes recently have been assigned by manyregional telecommunications companies, and "888" toll free services arebeing introduced since the supply of available "800" toll free numbersis nearly exhausted.

Furthermore, the Telecommunications Act that was recently enacted in theUnited States has opened the floodgates for competition among longdistance service providers. The Act also permits long distance serviceproviders to enter the local service market. Various long distanceproviders offer attractive packages to attract subscribers, such asreduced peak and off-peak rates, lower weekend rates, fixed rates at alltimes for international calls, etc. While a customer must "sign up" withone long distance carrier to be able to make all types of long distancecalls, it is not necessary to use the long distance services provided bythat carrier for all long distance calls. As a customer, it is oftenmore economically advantageous to use one long distance provider forcertain calls (e.g., national calls during peak hours), and one or moreadditional providers for other types of calls (e.g., international callsand national calls during off-peak hours). However, because of theconfusion associated with remembering various access codes to placecalls with different long distance telecommunications companies, manyindividuals subscribe to and use only one long distance service to placeall long distance calls, thus failing to take advantage of morereasonable rates that may be offered by other providers. Furthermore,often subscribers to reduced-price telecommunications services do notutilize the service because of the many numbers that must be dialed toaccess the service.

BACKGROUND ART

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved telecommunications enhancement user interface system and methodthat is operatively connected to customer premises termination equipmentsuch as a conventional telephone set or facsimile machine to controlcertain dialing functions otherwise performed by the terminationequipment.

Another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method that allows fortransmission of a dial signal indicating area code information (e.g.,1314) used to place a long distance call by simply pressing onepush-button switch.

Another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method that allows a user tomodify or create area code information.

Another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method that allows for quick andeasy dialing of toll-free prefix codes (e.g., 1800 or 1888) by simplypressing a push-button.

Another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method that allows a user toselect a long distance telecommunications provider from a preprogrammedgroup of available providers, and then place a long distance call usingthe selected provider's service.

Another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method that allows a user toupdate or modify information relating to long distancetelecommunications providers.

Another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method that satisfies FCC testingrequirements.

Still another object of this invention is to provide atelecommunications enhancement user interface system and method thatallows for transmission of a dial signal indicating prepaid calling cardinformation by simply pressing a push-button switch.

Another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method contained in a housing thatis externally connected to termination equipment during operation of theinvention, wherein the housing can be transported from one location(e.g., the office) to another location (e.g., a hotel room) forconnection to different termination equipment without erasingpreprogrammed area code, toll code or long distance providerinformation.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a telecommunicationsenhancement user interface system and method that is incorporated intocustomer premises termination equipment such as a conventional telephoneset or facsimile machine.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art in light of the following disclosure and accompanyingdrawings.

In accordance with the invention, generally stated, a telecommunicationsinterface system operably coupled to customer premises terminationequipment is disclosed for controlling signal transmission to and from acommunication network. The interface system includes a memory devicehaving data stored therein representative of a plurality of access codesand a plurality of long distance communication service providers. Eachaccess code provides access to a long distance communication serviceprovided by one of the long distance communication providers. The systemalso includes a data processing system operably connected to the memorydevice for performing input, processing, storage, output and controlfunctions on data stored in the memory device. A visual display deviceis operably connected to the data processing system for displaying datarelating to one of the long distance providers stored in the memorydevice. Means is provided for changing data displayed on the displaydevice to show data relating to another long distance provider stored inthe memory device. The system also includes means for selecting adesired long distance communication service based upon presentlydisplayed data on the display device, and means for transmitting a dialsignal indicating the access code for the selected long distancecommunication service to the communication network.

Another aspect of the present invention is of a telecommunicationsinterface system used in conjunction with a conventional touch tonetelephone set for controlling signal transmissions between the telephoneand a telecommunications network. The interface system includes a memorydevice for storing data including name information identifying one ormore long distance telecommunications service providers, access codeinformation for accessing a long distance telecommunications serviceprovided by each of the long distance providers, and area codeinformation representative of one or more area codes. A data processingdevice is operably connected to the memory device for performing dataprocessing functions on data stored in the memory device, and forcontrolling the operation of the interface system. The data processingdevice monitors signals received from the telephone set indicatingwhether the telephone set is maintained in an off-hook or on-hookcondition. The system also includes a visual display device operablyconnected to the data processing system for displaying information basedupon data stored in the memory device. A power source is provided forsupplying power to the interface system. A ringing detector circuit isoperatively connected between the data processing device and thetelecommunications network for monitoring signals received from thetelecommunications network to determine whether a ringing signalindicative of an incoming call is present, and transmitting a messagesignal to the data processing device indicating when a ringing signal isreceived. The interface system also includes a switching circuitoperatively connected to the data processing device, thetelecommunications network and the telephone set for routing andprocessing signals transmitted to and from the telecommunicationsnetwork and the telephone set. The data processing device controls theoperation of the switching circuit when the interface system isenergized by the power source. A dual tone multifrequency circuit isincluded that is operatively connected between the microprocessor andthe switching circuit for converting signals transmitted from themicroprocessor to the telecommunications network into a format readableby the telecommunications network. The system also has one or moremanually actuated area code push-button switches operatively connectedto the data processing device. The number of area code switches is atleast equal to the number of area codes stored in the memory device.Each switch triggers the data processing device to retrieve informationrelating to a corresponding area code when actuated. The data processingdevice then transmits a dial signal to the telecommunications networkrepresentative of the area code information associated with the actuatedswitch. Means is provided for changing presently displayed informationon the display device to show name information relating to a differentlong distance provider stored in the memory device. Means is furtherprovided for selecting a desired long distance communication servicebased upon presently displayed name information on the display device.The system includes a manually actuated carrier push-button switchoperatively connected to the data processing device for triggering thedata processing device to transmit a dial signal to thetelecommunications network representative of the access code for theselected long distance communication service upon actuation of thecarrier switch.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is that of a method fortransmitting a long distance call using a telecommunications interfacesystem operably connected to customer premises termination equipment toremote termination equipment via a communication line associated with atelecommunication network, comprising the steps of:

inputting data into a memory device relating to a plurality of longdistance communication service providers in a memory device, includingan access code used to access a long distance communication servicesprovided by each long distance provider, and a name identifying eachlong distance provider;

storing the data in the memory device;

displaying information associated with a particular long distanceprovider stored in the memory device on a visual display device;

selectively changing information shown on the display device toinformation relating to a different long distance provider;

selecting a desired long distance provider based upon the informationpresently displayed on the display device;

transmitting a first dial signal across the communication linerepresentative of the access code stored in the memory device used toaccess the long distance service provided by the selected long distanceprovider;

transmitting a second dial signal across the communication linerepresentative of an area code designating a geographical area includingthe remote termination equipment; and

transmitting a third dial signal across the communication linerepresentative of an extension number assigned to the remote terminationequipment.

Other objects and features will be apparent and in part pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects of the invention are achieved as set forth in theillustrative embodiments shown in the drawings which form a part of thespecification.

FIG. 1 is a sectional top plan view of a telephone station having thepresent invention incorporated therein, illustrating one arrangement ofthe display screen and push-button switches;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the wiring configuration ofan externally connected system of the present invention between customerpremises termination equipment and a wall jack;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the externally connected system, showingone arrangement of the display screen and push-button switches;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the interconnection ofelectrical components associated with the externally connected system;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the interconnection ofelectrical components of the present invention internally incorporatedinto customer premises termination equipment; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of electrical circuitryassociated with the externally connected system of the presentinvention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

    ______________________________________                                        TABLE OF COMPONENTS IN FIGS. 6A AND 6B                                        COMPONENT        VALUE/MODEL NUMBER                                           ______________________________________                                        CAPACITORS                                                                    C1               1 μF                                                      C2               0.001 μF                                                  C3               5.0 μF/25 V                                               C4               2.0 μF/10 V                                               C5               0.1 μF                                                    C6               0.1 μF                                                    C8               1 μF                                                      C11              0.1 μF                                                    C13              0.1 μF                                                    C14              10 μF                                                     C15              0.1 μF                                                    C16              10 μF                                                     C17              0.1 μF                                                    C18              10 μF                                                     DIODES                                                                        D1               1N4148                                                       D2               1N4148                                                       D3               1N4148                                                       D4, D5, D6, D7   1N400X                                                       D8               1N4148                                                       FUSES                                                                         F1               .3                                                           F2               RXE017                                                       JUMPERS                                                                       J1               RJ-11J                                                       J2               RJ-11J                                                       CONNECTORS                                                                    KEY 1            5 PIN                                                        KEY 2            5 PIN                                                        OPTOISOLATORS                                                                 O1               4N35N                                                        O2               H11AA1P                                                      TRANSISTORS                                                                   Q1               2N2222A                                                      Q2               MPSA12                                                       Q3               2N2222A                                                      RESISTORS                                                                     R1A              3.3 KΩ                                                 R1B              3.3 KΩ                                                 R2               180 KΩ                                                 R3               1.8 KΩ                                                 R4               1 KΩ                                                   R5               100 Ω                                                  R6               100 Ω                                                  R7               220 Ω                                                  R8               2.2 KΩ                                                 R9               100 KΩ                                                 R10              1 KΩ                                                   R11              220 Ω                                                  R12              100 KΩ                                                 R13              100 KΩ                                                 R15              2.2 KΩ                                                 R16              6.8 KΩ                                                 R17              10 KΩ resistance bay                                   R18              1 MΩ                                                   R20              10 KΩ                                                  R21              10 KΩ                                                  R22              10 KΩ                                                  INTEGRATED CIRCUITS                                                           U1               MC34012                                                      U2               74HC165                                                      U3               87C750                                                       U4               MN13812-S                                                    U5               24LCXX                                                       U6               75T2090                                                      U7               LM78L05ACZA                                                  U8               LM7812CTB                                                    VARISTOR                                                                      V1               VAL (unknown value)/300 V                                    ZENER DIODES                                                                  VR1              20 V                                                         VR2              20 V                                                         OSCILLATORS                                                                   X1               4 MHz                                                        X2               3.57954 MHz                                                  ______________________________________                                    

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a telecommunications enhancement userinterface system is shown, indicated generally at 10a (FIG. 1) and 10b(FIGS. 2 and 3), for providing enhanced telephone operation by reducingthe number of push-buttons or keys 11 that a user must push on a dialpad or keypad 12 when dialing long distance numbers from customerpremises termination equipment 14 (FIG. 2), such as a telephone,facsimile machine, or other electrical data transmission system thatcommunicates with another similar system disposed at a remote locationby dialing an address associated with that remote location to establisha data link via a communication line. The communication line includesthe conductors and their supporting or containing structures which areused for public or private signal or communication service. The system10 allows the user to chose a long distance provider with which to placea call from a group of various long distance providers. Throughout thisdisclosure, long distance numbers that are in the same area code as theuser are referred to as calls within a "local" area code or "local" longdistance calls. Long distance numbers placed outside the region servicedby the local (same) area code are referred to as calls to a "foreign"area code or "foreign" long distance calls. In general, long distancenumbers include area code information (e.g., 1-214), and a remoteextension number (e.g., 213-1000) indicating a particular extensionaddress that is dialed to contact remote termination equipment disposedat a remote location.

As discussed below in greater detail, the telecommunications userinterface system of the present invention can be implemented as aninternal system 10a that is incorporated directly into the customerpremises termination equipment 14 (e.g., telephone station or facsimilemachine) (FIGS. 1 and 5), or in an external system 10b that is containedin a housing connected between a jack or connector 42 associated withthe termination equipment 14 and a wall jack or connector 43 providingaccess to the telecommunications network (FIGS. 2-4, 6A and 6B). Theinternal system 10a and the external system 10b are referred tocollectively as system 10 throughout the disclosure.

The system 10 includes electrical circuitry 18a, 18b (FIGS. 4-6B) setforth below having a plurality of electrical components, including adata processing device 20 such as a microprocessor or microcontrollerfor processing data such as area code information, access codeinformation associated with a plurality of long distance carriers, andswitching system information used to access an outside telephone line.As discussed below, the information is stored in the nonvolatile memorydevice 22 such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memorydevice.

The telecommunications user interface system 10 includes at least onearea code ("AC") push-button switch 24 that the user can press to dial apreprogrammed area code, such as the local area code, when thetermination equipment is off-hook (closed station line). If more thanone AC push-button switch 24 is provided, the system is programmed toautomatically dial a different predetermined area code when eachpush-button 24 is pressed. As is known in the art, a push-button switchincludes a master switch, mounted behind a cover or panel, and a plungeror button extending forwardly through the opening. Operation of theswitch 24 is normally obtained by pressure of a finger against the endof the button. In the preferred embodiments of the internal system 10aand the external system 10b shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, respectively, threeAC push-button switches 24 are employed. However, as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, the number of AC push-buttons used ineither system 10a or 10b can be increased or decreased easily.

Preferably, the area codes associated with each push-button switch 24represent those area codes that are frequently dialed by the user. Forexample, when the termination equipment 14 is off-hook, the system 10bshown in FIG. 3 can be programmed to dial "1202" when the first ACpush-button switch 24 designated as "1" is pressed, to dial "1303" whenthe second AC push-button switch 24 designated as "2" is pressed, and todial "1404" when the third AC push-button switch 24 designated as "3" ispressed. In this hypothetical example, one area code preferablyrepresents the local area code, and the other two area codes representfrequently dialed foreign area codes. After the prefix "1" and the threedigit area code are dialed by the system 10, the user then manuallydials the remaining numbers in a conventional fashion using the keypad12 associated with the termination equipment 14 to contact a desiredremote extension. This enhancement feature saves the user from having topush "1" plus the local or foreign area code on the keypad 12 associatedwith the termination equipment 14 for frequently dialed numbers. Thepreprogrammed information can include up to 16 digits or characters,representative of information such as the area code, PBX codes used toobtain a telephone line, or the like.

Additional enhancement features associated with the system 10 include atleast one toll free push-button switch 26 that automatically dials atoll free prefix codes such as "1800" or "1888" when pressed by the userand the termination equipment 14 is off-hook. In the preferredembodiment, two toll free push-button switches 26 are used, with onepush-button 26 triggering the system to dial the code "1800" whenpressed, and the other push-button 26 triggering the system to dial thecode "1888" when pressed. After the toll free code is dialed, the usercan dial the remaining numbers manually using the keypad 12.

The system 10 also allows the user to select a long distance carrierfrom a group of such providers, and dials the necessary access codeinformation to place a long distance call using the selected carrier. Toaccomplish this function, the system 10 includes an alphanumeric visualdisplay device 28 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) device thatdisplays one carrier name at a time on an associated display screen 30,and three push-button switches 32 that allow the user to select adesired carrier (FIGS. 1,3). These three push-buttons 32 are referred toas a "carrier" push-button switch 32a, a "next" or "scroll up"push-button switch 32b, and a "previous" or "scroll down" push-buttonswitch 32c.

The previous and next push-buttons 32b, 32c and display 28 allow theuser to scroll through each of the preprogrammed long distance carriernames displayed on the display screen 30 by selectively advancing to thenext name or previous name by pressing the next or previous push-button,respectively. One carrier name is displayed on the screen 30 at a time,with each name having up to eight characters in the preferredembodiment. To the left of the carrier name when looking at the displayscreen 30 is a number having the value of 0 through n where n refers tothe maximum number of carriers that can be stored in the memory device22. In the preferred embodiment, information relating to up to 18different carriers can be stored in the memory device 22. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, the number of carriers easilycan be increased based upon the type of memory device 22 used. If nocarrier name is programmed for a particular carrier number, the displayscreen 30 is blank where the carrier name would otherwise be displayed,and only the number is displayed. The carrier numbers are displayed insequential order based upon the scrolling push-button key 32b, 32cpressed by the user. Pressing the "next" key 32b causes informationdisplayed on the display screen 32 to change from a lower number carrierto a higher number carrier (e.g., "3 ATT" to "4 MCI"). Pressing the"previous" key 32c causes information displayed on the screen 30 tochange from a higher number carrier to a lower number carrier (e.g., "4MCI" to "3 ATT"). Both the next and previous switches 32b, 32c allowcarrier information shown on the display to wrap around such that if thenth carrier is displayed and the next button 32b is pressed, the displayscreen 30 will show the first carrier name. Similarly, pressing theprevious button 32c when the first carrier name is displayed causes thedisplay screen 30 to change to the nth carrier name.

To choose a long distance carrier, the user places the terminationequipment 14 in an off-hook condition (e.g., removes the telephonehandset from the base), waits for the tone, and then selects the desiredcarrier by scrolling through the list of providers. When the desiredlong distance carrier name and number appears on the display screen 30,the user selects that carrier by pressing the carrier push-button switch32a, thereby triggering the system 10 to dial switching system codes, ifany, and the access code for the selected long distance carrier. Thelong distance carrier is selected by name, thus eliminating the need forthe user to memorize various access codes. When the carrier is selectedby causing the termination equipment 14 to go off-hook and pressing thecarrier push-button 32a, the system 10 dials the access code numberssuch as "77777-1" where 77777 represents the access code for the desiredcarrier. The system can be programmed to dial up to 16 digits orcharacters for each carrier, allowing for access and PBX or otherswitching system requirements, if needed to access an outside line. Theuser then manually dials the remaining numbers in a conventional fashionusing keys 11 associated with the keypad 12 associated with thetermination equipment 14 to contact a desired extension. Alternatively,the user can then press an area code (AC) button 24 to trigger thesystem 10 to dial one of the preprogrammed area codes after the carrieraccess information is dialed. In this situation, the user then dials theremaining numbers using the keypad 12.

To determine the carrier access information or area code informationstored in the memory device 22 for a particular carrier name or ACbutton 24 without actually dialing the number, the termination equipment14 is left on- hook (open station line). To view the informationassociated with a particular carrier, the scroll buttons 32b, 32c areused to select the desired carrier. When the desired carrier name isdisplayed, the carrier button 32a is pressed and the display screen 30shows as many digits of the switching system information and access codeas can be displayed on the screen 30. Similarly, if one of the ACbuttons 24 is pressed while the termination equipment 14 is on-hook, theswitching system information (if any) and area code associated with thatbutton 24 are displayed to the extent possible based upon the type ofdisplay device 28 used. When the AC button 24 is released in thissituation, the previously displayed carrier name is redisplayed. Sincethe termination equipment 14 remains on-hook at all times, no numbersare dialed by the system 10.

The access code for each long distance provider is the same throughoutthe United States. The telecommunications system 10 of the presentinvention can be preprogrammed with access codes and carrier names forany number of long distance carriers in a given country or region (e.g.,the United States). As discussed above, in the preferred embodiment, upto eighteen long distance providers and their access codes can be storedin the nonvolatile memory device 22 associated with the system 10. Asdiscussed below in detail, to add additional carriers to the group ofavailable long distance providers or modify existing carrier informationafter the system 10 is in use at the customer premises, a "program"push-button switch 34 is included in the preferred embodiment of theexternal and internal systems 10a and 10b that activates the system 10into a programming mode when the push-button 34 is pressed for a periodof time. If the program push-button switch 34 is not included, thesystem 10 can be configured such that the carrier push-button 32a isused to activate the system into the programming mode.

To program the AC push-buttons 24 and the long distance carrierinformation, the user is required perform a series of programming tasksby manually pressing various push-button switches 24, 26, 32, 34, andkeys 11 on the keypad 12 to input and store information into the memorydevice 22. Programming of the internal system 10a differs from that ofthe external system 10b in that the termination equipment remainson-hook at all times during the programming of the internal system 10a.In the preferred embodiment of the external unit 10b, all long distancecarrier information is input by the user after the external unit 10b isinstalled between the jack 42 associated with the termination equipment14 and the wall jack 43 providing access to the telecommunicationsnetwork.

To start programming of the internal system 10a and the external system10b, the user presses the program push-button 34 for a period of time(e.g., 5 seconds) while the termination equipment 14 is on-hook. Thistriggers the microprocessor 20 into a programming mode. The displayscreen 30 displays a message such as "PROGRAM" indicating theprogramming mode is initiated. When programming the external system 10b,the user then places the termination equipment 14 in an off-hookcondition, but no audible dial tone is emitted from the terminationequipment 14 in this situation. However, the termination equipment 14 isactivated in this situation, and a pulse tone can be heard when a key 11on the keypad 12 is pressed. When programming the internal system 10a,the termination equipment 14 remains on-hook during the entireprogramming process.

With the termination equipment 14 in an on-hook state when programmingthe internal system 10a or an off-hook state when programming theexternal system 10b, and after the message indicating activation of theprogramming mode is displayed on the display screen 30, the user pressesan "*" key 36 on the keypad 12 to go to the step of programming theinformation for the area code (AC) buttons 24. When the "*" key 36 ispressed, the display screen 30 shows information such as "LOCAL 1"indicating information can be entered will be dialed when the "1" AClocal button 24 is pressed. If desired information is already stored forthis button 24 or no information is desired to be input, the user canpress a "#" key 46 on the keypad 12 to move to the next step. To programinformation for the first AC button 24, the user presses the "*" key 36on the keypad 12. The display screen 30 then shows either a blank screenor numbers which are presently stored in the memory device 22 for thatbutton 24. The "#" key 46 can be pressed at this time to leave theinformation displayed on the screen 30 unchanged, and move on to thenext step.

If the user wants to change the displayed area code information, theappropriate switching information and area code numbers are input asfollows. If a number is to be entered, the user presses the appropriatekey 11 on the keypad 12 having the corresponding number depictedthereon. The user can include a time delay (e.g., 0.5 seconds) in thedialing sequence by pressing the "*" key 36 associated with the keypad.For example, a user can programming switching system information such as"9**" and then the area code information to provide a time delay orpause before the system dials the area code information, therebyallowing for a PBX system to access an outside line.

The display screen 30 shows each number or character as it is input bythe user.

The user can input up to 16 numbers or characters into the nonvolatilememory 22 using the keypad 12, with the numbers and characters beingdisplayed on the screen 30 as they are input by the user. When the dataentry for the first AC button 24 is complete, the user presses the "#"key 46 to store this information in the memory device 22, and move on tothe next step. If the user enters 16 digits, the system 10a, 10bautomatically stores the information in the memory device 22, and movesto the next step.

This process is repeated for each AC push-button 24, where the preferredembodiment includes three AC push-buttons 24. When the screen 30displays information such as "LOCAL 2" in the preferred embodiment,before entering any additional information, the user can press the "*"key 36 to change the number dialed for the "2" push-button 24, or canpress the "#" key 46 to skip to the next step. Otherwise, the user caninput the area code information using the same steps as set forth abovefor the "1" push-button. Similarly, when the display screen 30 thenshows information such as "LOCAL 3" indicating programming of the "3"push-button 24 is activated, the user can press the "*" key 36 to changethe number dialed for this push-button 24, or can press the "#" key 46to proceed to the next step.

After the programming of the AC push-buttons 24 is complete, the screen30 displays information such as "CARRIER 1" indicating the user can nowinput or modify carrier information for the first carrier stored in thenonvolatile memory 22 of the system 10a, 10b. First, the user can editor input a long distance carrier name. If the user does not want tochange the carrier information for the first carrier, the user pressesthe "#" key 46 to skip to the next step. The carrier name can include upto 8 alphanumeric characters in the preferred embodiment. To input orchange the carrier name, the user presses the "*" key 36 and the displayscreen 30 shows information such as "NAME?" and the name of the carrier,if any, presently stored as the first carrier.

To enter a number in the carrier name, the user presses an appropriatenumber key 11 on the keypad 12 one time. To enter a letter, the userselects the key 11 having the letter displayed thereon (e.g., the "2"key has letters A, B and C displayed thereon, as shown in FIG. 1), andpresses the key 11 twice for the first displayed letter, three times forthe second displayed letter, and four times for the third displayedletter. For example, to input the letter B in the carrier name, the usermust press the "2" key three times. The screen 30 displays a number orletter based upon the total number of times the selected key 11 ispressed. For example, if a user wishes to enter a "C" letter in thecarrier name, the first time the "2" key is pressed, the screen 30displays the number "2". The second time the key is pressed, the "2" isreplaced with the letter "A" on the screen 30. The third time the "2"key is pressed, the screen 30 shows "B" instead of "A", and then thefourth time the key is pressed, the "B" is replaced with a "C" on thescreen 30, as desired. If the "2" key is pressed again (a fifth time), a"2" replaces the "C" and the cycle starts over.

When entering the carrier name, the user presses the "*" key 36 on thekeypad 12 to move to the next character in the name. After data entry iscomplete, the user presses the "#" key 46 on the keypad 12 to save thecarrier name in the memory device 22, and to move on to the next step ofentering the access code information.

When the carrier name entry is complete and the "#" key 46 is pressed,the display screen 30 shows a message such as "CODE?" indicating the PBXor switching system code (if applicable) and carrier access code forthat carrier name can be entered by the user. If carrier accessinformation previously was programmed into this memory 22 location, thedisplay 28 shows this access information (or a portion thereof) on thescreen 30 after the message (e.g., "CODE?"). If no access information isstored in the memory 22 for that entry, the display screen 30 is blankafter the message. The user can press the "#" key 46 again if thecarrier access information displayed on the screen is acceptable and nomodification is necessary.

If the user wants to change the existing displayed access information,or input a new access information, the user presses the appropriate keys11 on the keypad 12 for the switching code (if needed) and the carrieraccess code. As mentioned above, the "*" key 36 can be used to add atime delay in the dialing sequence. The numbers input by the useroverwrite any existing information stored in the memory device 22. Inthe preferred embodiment, up to 16 numbers or characters can be enteredfor the switching and access codes. When the switching and access codesare entered, the "#" key 46 is pressed to save the information in thememory device 22 and move on to the next programming step.

After accepting or updating the carrier information, the display 28automatically prompts the user to verify or modify the next carrier namestored in the memory 22. For example, after completing data entry forthe first carrier ("CARRIER 1"), the display screen 30 shows a messagesuch as "CARRIER 2". Data entry for the carrier name, switching code andaccess code is repeated using the steps set forth above. This processrepeats for each carrier position available for the system 10a, 10b(through the nth carrier). As discussed above, data entry for eachcarrier name or access information can be skipped by pressing the "#"key 46 when appropriate, thereby accepting currently stored informationwithout modification. When data entry for the last carrier (e.g.,CARRIER 18 in the preferred embodiment) is complete and the "#" key 46is pressed, the system automatically exits the programming mode andreturns to the normal operating mode.

To better illustrate the foregoing programming steps associated with theexternal system 10b of the present invention, the following hypotheticalexample is provided. For this example, the maximum number of longdistance carriers supported by the system is two (n=2), and three ACpush-buttons 24 are associated with the external system 10b. Furtherassume for this example that following parameters are stored in thememory device: (a) the first carrier (CARRIER 1) has a carrier name of"SPRINT" and the associated access code of "10333"; (b) no informationis stored in the memory 22 for the second carrier (CARRIER 2); and (c)"1314" is stored as the area code information for the first push-button(LOCAL 1). The following steps illustrate how the user can change thecarrier name for CARRIER 1 to "ATT" and the access code to "10288",change the area code information to "1573" for the LOCAL 1 push-button,and add the carrier name of "MCI" for CARRIER 2 along with the accesscode of "10456".

a) The display initially shows the message "1 SPRINT 10333" beforeprogramming begins.

b) Press the PROGRAM key for 5 seconds. This causes the display to show"PROGRAM".

c) Cause the attached termination equipment 14 to go off-hook, and pressthe"*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 to show"LOCAL 1".

d) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "1314".

e) Press "1573" on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 to show"1573".

f) Press the "#" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "LOCAL 2".

g) Press the "#" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "LOCAL 3".

h) Press the "#" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "CARRIER 1".

i) Press the "2" key on the keypad (note in FIG. 1, the "2" key also hasthe characters "ABC" associated with it). This causes the display screen30 to show "NAME?2".

j) Press the "2" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME? A".

k) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME? A₋₋ ".

l) Press the "8" key on the keypad twice. This causes the display screen30 to show "NAME? AT".

m) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME? AT₋₋ ".

n) Press the "8" key on the keypad twice. This causes the display screen30 to show "NAME? ATT".

o) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME? ATT₋₋ ".

p) Press the "#" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "CODE? 10333".

q) Press "10288" on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "CODE? 10288".

r) Press the "#" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "CARRIER 2".

s) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME?".

t) Press the "6" key on the keypad twice. This causes the display screen30 to show "NAME? M".

u) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME? M₋₋ ".

v) Press the "2" key on the keypad four times. This causes the displayscreen 30 to show "NAME? MC".

w) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME? MC₋₋ ".

x) Press the "4" key on the keypad four times. This causes the displayscreen 30 to show "NAME? MCI".

y) Press the "*" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "NAME? MCI₋₋ ".

z) Press the "#" key on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "CODE?".

aa) Press "10456" on the keypad. This causes the display screen 30 toshow "CODE? 10456".

bb) Press the "#" key on the keypad. This causes the system 10b to exitthe programming mode, and the display screen to show "1 ATT 10288".

Area code information can be programmed in the nonvolatile memory of thesystem 10 for any carrier position, if desired. For example, using theprogramming steps outlined above for the internal system 10a or belowfor the external system 10b, the user can enter "CHICAGO" as the`carrier name,` and "1708" as area code information (instead of, or inaddition to, switching system and access code information) for anycarrier position. This allows the user to scroll through variousgeographic regions by name on the display device 28. When the desiredgeographic region or area code is displayed, the user triggers thesystem 10 to dial the area code and switching system information, ifany, by pressing the carrier button 32a.

FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention having thepush-button switches 24, 26, 32, 34 and display device 28 incorporatedinto the termination equipment 14 as shown in close proximity to thekeypad 12. In this embodiment, the electrical circuitry 18 is disposedinside the housing of the termination equipment 14 (e.g., inside atelephone base). Alternatively, the electrical circuitry 18, push-buttonswitches 24, 26, 32, 34 and display device 28 can be disposed in anexternal housing 38 that is electrically connected between the wall jack43 providing access to the telecommunications network and the jack 42associated with the termination equipment 14 as shown in FIG. 2, in amanner similar to the connection of a telephone answering machine. Thisattachment method allows the system 10b to control the operation of theuser's termination equipment 14 as required for various functions. Insituations where a telephone answering machine or other device isconnected between the termination equipment 14 and the wall jack 43, theexternal system 10b preferably is connected closest to the terminationequipment 14 (e.g., between an answering machine and the telephonestation). Both the internal and external systems 10a, 10b satisfy FCCtesting requirements.

More specifically, the externally connected enhancement system 10b shownin FIGS. 2 and 3 preferably is contained in a small box housing 38 withthe display screen 30 such as a sixteen (16) character LCD display and aplurality of push-button switches 24, 26, 32, 34 disposed on a top panel40 of the housing 38, and two telephone type (RJ-11) jacks J1 and J2.Jack J1 allows for connection of the external system 10b to the walljack 43, and jack J2 allows for connection to the jack 42 associatedwith the termination equipment 14 via wiring 44. FIG. 3 shows a possibletop panel 40 design approximately actual size. The dimensions of thehousing 38 are preferably 4" in length and 3" in width. The externalsystem 10b preferably is powered by a local ac power supply as shown inFIG. 2. It is also possible to construct an external system 10b that ispowered by batteries contained in an easily accessible enclosure insidethe external device (not shown). In this configuration, batteriesincrease the size of the external housing 38 by approximately 1 inch inlength or width and approximately 0.75 inch in depth.

The box housing 38 for the external system 10b is constructed from anysuitable material such as high quality ABS plastic or other similarmaterial. The housing 38 is designed to be cosmetically appealing, andhave a durable construction. The push-button switches 24, 26, 32, 34have high quality construction with good feel, and are mounted in amanner similar to the mounting of keys on a conventional telephonekeypad so as to extend through the top panel 40 of the housing 38. Apolycarbonate overlay is printed with the required text and graphicsthat are attached to the housing 38.

The external connection of the system 10b also allows for transportationof the system 10b and housing 38 from one location to another. Forexample, the system 10b can be disconnected from a telephone orfacsimile machine at one's office, and then reconnected to a telephoneor facsimile machine at home or at a hotel room. Information stored inthe memory device 22 is retained during transit, and not erased ordestroyed when the system 10 is disconnected from the local ac powersource.

The external system 10b preferably also includes remote dialing featuresthat allow the user to activate the system 10b to dial the numbersequences programmed for the AC push-button switches 24 and the carriernames using only the keypad 12 and without pressing any push-buttonsassociated with the external system 10b. When the remote dialingfeatures are used, the user triggers the system 10b to automaticallydial the digits associated with each AC push-button by pressing the "*"key associated with the keypad 12, followed by a single digit key 11 onthe keypad 12, where the key 11 pressed corresponds to the ACpush-button 24. For example, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.3, the user can press "*1" on the keypad 12 to trigger dialing of thenumber sequence associated with the "1" push-button 24, or "*2" to dialthe area code information associated with the "2" push-button 24, or"*3" for the "3" push-button 24. This feature allows the user to use thekeypad 12 to access information stored in the nonvolatile memory device22, instead of using the AC switches 24. In the preferred embodiment,area code information corresponding to up to nine AC push-buttons can beaccess by pressing "*1" through "*9" on the keypad 12. The "0" (zero)key is not used in the preferred embodiment to dial information relatingto AC push-buttons 24. As discussed below, the "0" (zero) key 11 is usedwhen dialing access code information using the remote dialing feature.

To select a long distance carrier and trigger dialing of the associatedinformation using the remote dialing feature for the external system10b, the user can press the "*" key on the keypad, followed by the "0"(zero) key, then two keys 11 corresponding to the carrier number 1-nindicating the desired carrier. The "1" key is pressed to select thefirst carrier name, and so on up to the nth carrier. As mentioned above,information relating to up to 18 different carriers can be stored in thememory device 22 in the preferred embodiment. The "0" (zero) key on thekeypad is pressed to select the tenth carrier name. If carrier number1-0 is selected, the user must press the "*" key as the second key afterentering the single digit carrier number. For example, if XYZ carrier isthe fourth carrier entered in the group of carriers stored in the memorydevice 22, the user would press "*04*" to select the fourth carrier(XYZ) and dial the corresponding access code and switching systeminformation. If carrier number 11-18 in the preferred embodiment isdesired, the user is not required to press the"*" key after dialing thecarrier number since the microprocessor is programmed to recognize onlytwo characters after "*0" is entered. For example, if ABC carrier is thethirteenth carrier stored in the memory device 22, the user would press"*013" to trigger the system 10b to select and transmit informationrelating to that carrier. Clearly, the same remote dialing procedurescan be used to access carrier information for up to 99 carriers, if thenumber of carriers stored in the memory device 22 is increased past the18 carriers of the preferred embodiment. When the remote dialing methodis used, the display screen 30 shows the carrier name and correspondingkey number selected by the user as the access code and PBX codes aredialed.

The telecommunications system 10 used in the internal and externalembodiments also retains information relating to the most recentlyselected long distance carrier as default information for future callsso that the user does not have to select a long distance carrier eachtime a long distance call is placed. If no new carrier is selected, thesystem 10 accesses the provider that was used to place the previous longdistance call.

Electrical circuitry 18b associated with the externally connectedtelecommunications system 10b shown in FIG. 4 requires several differentcomponents when compared to electrical circuitry 18a associated with theinternally connected system 10a shown in FIG. 5 that is installeddirectly into the termination equipment 14. For example, as discussedbelow the internal system 10a requires a key press detection circuitthat is not present in the external system 10b. Furthermore, theexternal system 10b requires dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) decodingand encoding circuitry 50, while the internal system 10a requires onlyDTMF encoding circuitry 52. The following discussion sets forth indetail the circuitry 18a employed in the externally connected system10b, and describes differences between the external system 10b andinternal system 10a when appropriate. As will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, the circuitry 18b set forth for the external system10b can be easily adapted for use in the internal system 10a.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the electrical circuitry 18b associatedwith the externally connected telecommunications system 10b. Detailedschematic drawings showing the interconnection of circuit componentassociated with externally connected system are set forth in FIGS. 6Aand 6B. As shown in FIG. 2, the external system 10b is electricallyconnected between the jack 42 associated with the termination equipment14 and the wall jack 43 via wiring 44. The external device 10b is alsoconnected to an ac power outlet (e.g., 60 Hz outlet) at the customerpremises such that the circuitry 18b is powered locally. As mentionedabove, it is also possible to include a battery power source (not shown)within the housing, if desired, such that the connection to the acoutlet is not needed.

As discussed above, the electrical circuitry 18b shown in FIG. 4includes the microprocessor 20 which performs data processing functionsincluding input, processing, storage, output and control functions toaccomplish a sequence of operations on data stored in the memory device22. The microprocessor 20 also performs data processing functions basedupon signals received from the telecommunications network, terminationequipment 14 and the push-button switches 24, 26, 32, 34 associated withthe external system 10b. The microprocessor 20 inputs and retrievesappropriate information from the nonvolatile memory device 22 based uponthe keys 11 or push-buttons 24, 26, 32, 34 pressed. In addition, themicroprocessor 20 controls the display of information on the displayscreen 30. As discussed below in greater detail, if area codeinformation or carrier information is requested by the user to initiatea long distance call, the microprocessor retrieves the necessary datafrom the memory device 22. The microprocessor 20 monitors signalsreceived from the termination equipment 14 indicating whether thetermination equipment 14 is in an off-hook or on-hook condition.

The microprocessor 20 also determines whether a ringing signal istransmitted from the network to the termination equipment 14 based uponan output signal generated by a ringing detector circuit 56. The ringingdetector circuit 56 monitors signals received from thetelecommunications network to determine whether a ringing signal isbeing transmitted from the network. When a ringing signal is detected,the ringing detector circuit 56 notifies the microprocessor 20. Asdiscussed below, the microprocessor 20 uses this information to controlthe operation of the system 10b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the microprocessor 20 also controls the operation ofa switching circuit 58 that is operatively connected to the terminationequipment 14. As discussed below in greater detail, the switchingcircuit 58 routes and processes signals received from thetelecommunications network, termination equipment 14, and themicroprocessor 20. More specifically, the microprocessor 20 determinesin which of six possible states the switching circuit 58 is maintained.Based upon the state of the switching circuit 58, the user's terminationequipment 14 is connected to the telecommunications network or theexternal system 10b, and the external system 10b is connected to ordisconnected from the telecommunications network. The switching circuit58 allows the system 10b to transmit signals to the telecommunicationsnetwork when the system 10b is activated to dial and transmitinformation such as an area code, toll or carrier information. Theswitching circuit 58 disconnects the system 10b from thetelecommunications network when the system 10b is not transmittingsignals to the network. The switching circuit further allows the user tohear a dial tone supplied by the telecommunications network when thetermination equipment is off-hook.

When no power is supplied to the system 10b from the ac power supply,the switching circuit 58 is in a first state (state 1) representative ofa "no power" default state associated with the switching circuit 58. Inthis state, the external system 10b is effectively bypassed, allowingfor signals to pass directly between the telecommunications network andthe termination equipment 14. This state occurs because of a no-powerdefault state associated with relays K1 and K2 (i.e., K2:A and K2:B)discussed below and shown in FIG. 6A.

The microprocessor causes the switching circuit 58 to enter the secondstate (state 2) from state 1 when power is applied to the system 10b, orupon completion of states 4, 5 or 6 (discussed below) and power isapplied to the system 10b. In this state, the termination equipment 14is on-hook and no ringing signal is being transmitted from thetelecommunications network. The external system 10b allows for "one way"signal flow from the telecommunications network to the terminationequipment 14 in state 2. All signals transmitted from the terminationequipment 14 are intercepted and routed through the external system 10b.

In state 2, the system 10b continuously monitors the state of thetermination equipment 14 and the communications line to determinewhether the termination equipment 14 is off-hook, or a ringing signal ispresent on the communications line. As will be discussed below ingreater detail with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the microprocessor 20continuously monitors an output signal LINEOH generated by anoptoisolator O2 included in the switching circuit 58 as shown in FIG. 6Aand discussed below in greater detail. The state of the LINEOH signalindicates whether the termination equipment 14 is in an off-hook stateor an on-hook state. When the LINEOH signal indicates the terminationequipment 14 is off-hook, the microprocessor 20 causes the switchingcircuit 58 to enter state 3 (discussed below). If the microprocessor 20determines, using a RING output signal discussed below with respect toFIGS. 6A and 6B, that a ringing signal is present on the communicationline, then the microprocessor 20 causes the switching circuit 58 toenter state 5 (discussed below). If the microprocessor 20 determinesthat the program push-button switch 34 has been pressed for a length oftime such as five seconds, then the microprocessor 20 triggers theswitching circuit 58 into state 6 (discussed below).

The microprocessor 20 causes the switching circuit 58 to enter the thirdstate (state 3) when power is supplied to the system 10b from the acpower source, no ringing signal is detected on the communication line,and the termination equipment 14 is in an off-hook condition. In thisstate, the system 10b allows, through configuration of the switchingcircuit 58, for "one-way" signal transmission from thetelecommunications network to the termination equipment 14. However,signals transmitted by the termination equipment are intercepted androuted through the external system 10b. No signals transmitted from thetermination equipment 14 are permitted to pass to the network. In thissituation, the user can hear or recognize network signals. Themicroprocessor 20 continuously monitors output signals generated by thedecoding portion of the DTMF circuit 50 (discussed below) to determinewhether the user pressed any keys 11 on the keypad 12, and if so, whichkeys 11 were pressed. The microprocessor 20 also continuously monitorswhether the user has pressed the AC buttons 24, the toll free buttons 26or the carrier button 32a. Depending upon the user's actions, the system10b responds in a different manner, and then triggers the switchingcircuit 58 to enter state 4 (discussed below) after it responds.

For the external system 10b only, if the user presses the "*" key on thekeypad 12, then the system 10b waits for one or more digit keys 11 onthe keypad 12 to be pressed after the "*" key is released, indicatingthe user is implementing the remote dialing features. As discussedabove, based upon the digit key(s) 11 pressed, the system 10b dialseither area code information or carrier information stored for the ACpush-button 24 or carrier position having the same reference number asthe digit(s) pressed. If the next key pressed corresponds to digit "1"through "9", then the microprocessor 20 retrieves the area codeinformation associated with the corresponding AC push-button from thememory device 20, the system 10b transmits a corresponding dial signalto the telecommunications network. If the next digit pressed correspondsto digit "0", then the system waits for two additional keys 11 to bepressed by the user indicating the particular carrier information theuser wishes the system 10b to transmit to the telecommunicationsnetwork. As discussed above, if one of the first ten carriers isselected (i.e., carrier number 1-0), the user presses the "*" key afterentering the appropriate digit key. If a carrier is selected that has atwo digit carrier number (i.e., carrier number 11-99, or carrier number11-18 in the preferred embodiment), then the user presses theappropriate two digit keys, and is not required to press the "*" key.After the two keys are pressed, the microprocessor 20 retrieves theappropriate carrier information from the memory device 22, and transmitsa representative dial signal to the telecommunications network.

After the dial signal is transmitted to the telecommunications networkby the system 10b, the microprocessor 20 triggers the switching circuit58 into the fourth state as set forth below. If the user presses any key11 on the keypad 12 other than described above, the microprocessor 20triggers the switching circuit 58 into the fourth state immediately. Ifone of the AC buttons 24, toll free buttons 26 or the carrier button 32ais pressed, the microprocessor retrieves the corresponding informationstored in the memory device 22, and the system 10b transmits anappropriate dial signal to the telecommunications network. Aftertransmitting the dial signal, the microprocessor 20 causes the switchingcircuit 58 to enter the fourth state.

For the internal system 10a, no remote dialing features are employed.Therefore, in the internal system 10a, the microprocessor 20 triggersthe switching circuit 58 into the fourth state when any key 11 on thekeypad 12 is pressed, including the "*" key 36. The switching circuit 58and microprocessor 20 of the internal system 10a operate in the samemanner as discussed above with respect to the external system 10b whenone of the AC buttons 24, toll free buttons 26, or carrier button 32a ispressed.

The fourth state (state 4) of the switching circuit 58 is entered fromstate 3 when the microprocessor 20 determines the termination equipment14 is still off-hook (using the LINEOH signal), and power is supplied tothe system 10. In this state, the switching circuit allows for two waysignal transmission to and from the telecommunications network and thetermination equipment 14. The microprocessor 20 continuously monitorsthe LINEOH signal (FIGS. 6A and 6B) to determine if the terminationequipment 14 remains off-hook. When the termination equipment 14 isplaced in an on-hook condition, the microprocessor causes the switchingcircuit 58 to exit state 4 and enter state 2.

The microprocessor 20 causes the switching circuit 58 to exit the secondstate and enter the fifth state (state 5) when the microprocessor 20determines a ringing signal is present on the communication line (basedupon the RING signal discussed below), the termination equipment 14 ison-hook, and power is supplied to the system 10. In this state, themicroprocessor 20 causes the switching circuit 58 to operatively connectthe communication line to the termination equipment 14 for the durationof the ringing signal. This allows the termination equipment 14 togenerate an audible ringing sound while the ringing signal is active orpresent on the communication line. Based upon the RING signal, if themicroprocessor 20 determines the ringing signal is inactive or absentfor a period of time longer than two (2) seconds, then themicroprocessor 20 causes the switching circuit 58 to enter state 2. Ifthe microprocessor determines the termination equipment is off-hookbased upon the LINEOH signal (e.g., an incoming call is answered), thenthe microprocessor 20 causes the switching circuit to enter state 4.

The sixth state (state 6) of the switching circuit 58 is triggered bythe microprocessor 20 when the program key 34 is pressed for a period oftime (e.g., 5 seconds), thereby activating the programming mode asdiscussed above. State 6 is entered from state 2, and is referred to asthe programming state. In this state, signals transmitted by thetermination equipment 14 when the keys 11 are pressed are processed bythe system 10, and not transmitted to the telecommunications network. Inthe circuit diagram shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the switching circuit 58allows a ringing signal to pass from the telecommunications network tothe termination equipment 14 in state 6. Alternatively, the ringingsignal can be blocked by the switching circuit by connecting atransistor to the base of the Darlington transistor pair Q2 (discussedbelow and shown in FIG. 6A) that shorts the base of transistor Q2 toground.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical circuitry 18b of the external system10b also includes the dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) circuit 50 thatperforms decoding and encoding functions on signals transmitted betweenthe telecommunications network, termination equipment 14 and themicroprocessor 20. As is known in the art, DTMF signaling is an addresssignaling method for telecommunications service using sixteen (16) pairsof frequencies to represent digits and other characters (e.g., the "#"key and the "*" key). It is most commonly used by termination equipmentsuch as a station set to signal to a network switching system. The DTMFcodes are pairs of tones or frequencies, one from a low frequency groupand the other from a high frequency group. Each of these frequencygroups consists of four voice band frequency tones, no two of which areharmonically related. As discussed below, the DTMF circuit 50 processesdata signals received from the microprocessor 20 such that the signalsare encoded with the appropriate tones (DTMF codes) for use in thetelecommunications network. The DTMF circuit 50 also data processes anddecodes signals received from the termination equipment 14 for theremote dialing feature and during programming such that the signals arein a format usable by the microprocessor 20.

The electrical circuitry 18a used for the telecommunications system 10athat is incorporated into the termination equipment 14 operatessimilarly to the circuitry 18b discussed above for the external system10b. As shown in FIG. 5, the microprocessor 20, display 28, numbermemory 22, push-button switches 24, 26, 32, 34, ring detector circuit 56and switching circuit 58 operate in the internal system 10a as set forthabove with respect to the external system 10b. The microprocessor 20 canbe a separate component included in the circuitry 18a, or can be themicroprocessor 20 used in the termination equipment 14 (e.g., inconventional touch tone telephone sets) that performs various additionalfunctions known in art, such as speed dialing and redial functions. Thenonvolatile memory device 22 shown in FIG. 5 can be a separate componentadded to the termination equipment 14, or can be part of a memory deviceused to store other information used by the termination equipment'smicroprocessor, such as information stored for speed dial features. Thecircuitry components of the internal system 10a are powered by aconventional power supply associated with the termination equipment 14.

Differences between the circuitry associated with the internal system10a and external system 10b include that the internal system 10arequires only DTMF encoding functions to be performed on signalstransmitted from the microprocessor 20 to the telecommunications network(via the switching circuit 58). Decoding functions are not necessary inthis embodiment since microprocessor 20 is electrically connected to thekeys 11 of the keypad 12 either directly or via the key press detectioncircuit 48. As is known in the art, the keys 11 associated withconventional keypads 12 are on/off switches that transmit unique signalswhen pressed. In the internal system 10a, output signals from the keys11 are not converted to tones, and therefore no decoding of the tones isneeded for the signals to be interpreted by the microprocessor 20. Thekey press detection circuit 60 is connected between the microprocessor20 and the keys 11 when the on/off switch keys 11 are multiplexed orwhen the on/off switch keys 11 are not metallic contact switches (e.g.,capacitive switches). In these configurations, the key press detectioncircuit 48 detects and processes the signal generated by a particularkey 11, and transmits an output signal to the microprocessor 20indicating that key 11 was pressed.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the preferred embodiment of theelectrical circuitry 18b used in the external system 10b is illustrated.The microprocessor 20 is designated as U3 in FIG. 6B. In the preferredembodiment, the microprocessor 20 is manufactured by Phillips Inc. andsold as model number 87C751. However, any general purpose microprocessor20 can be used. As shown in the schematics, the microprocessor 20 isoperatively connected to the display 28 via a jumper J3, the nonvolatilememory device 22 (designated as U5), and the DTMF circuit 50. Asmentioned above, the nonvolatile memory device U5 is preferably aserially accessed electrically erasable programmable read only memory(EEPROM) device having a programmable read only memory in which cellscan be erased electrically and in which each cell can be reprogrammedelectrically. Furthermore, the microprocessor U3 controls the states ofthe switching circuit 58.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the DTMF circuit 50 includes an integrated circuit(IC) device U6 which performs encoding functions and decoding functionson data transmitted between the microprocessor and the switching device.Signals transmitted from the microprocessor U3 are processed by the ICdevice U6. Based upon signals received from the microprocessor U3, theIC device U6 generates a DTMF signal referred to as DTMFOUT in FIGS. 6Aand 6B. As shown in FIG. 6A, the DTMFOUT signal is transmitted from theIC device U6 to a communication line via a first resistor R10 and asecond resistor R5, a transformer T1, a third resistor R5, a relayswitch K2:B, a public network interface circuit 62 (discussed below),and jack J1.

The decoding function of the IC device U6 receives an input signalRECDTMF from the keypad 12 associated with the termination equipment 14via jack J2, a relay switching device K1, and a capacitor C6. A decodedsignal representative of the tones received from the terminationequipment 14 is then transmitted from the IC device U6 to themicroprocessor U3 for further data processing operations.

The circuitry 18b also includes a power supply circuit 54 shown in FIG.6B that is connected to the local alternating current (ac) power sourceas shown in FIG. 2. The power supply 54 includes a jumper J4 which isconnected to and receives local ac power from a wall plug mountedtransformer (not shown) located at the customer's premises, and thenconverts the power signal into required regulated and unregulatedvoltages using a positive temperature coefficient fuse (PTCF) F2, azener diode VR2, capacitor C14, capacitor C15, a voltage regulator U7,capacitor C16, capacitor C17 and a voltage regulator U8.

The switching circuit set forth in FIG. 6A includes a transistor Q1 fordriving relay K1 which, in turn, causes the attached terminationequipment 14 to be connected to the telecommunications network or to theexternal system 10b. The operation of transistor Q1 is controlled by themicroprocessor U3. The microprocessor U3 generates a LOCAL output signalthat is supplied to relay K1 via transistor Q1 when the operation of thetermination equipment 14 is controlled by the system 10b (i.e., theswitching circuit 58 is in the second state). Thus, when the LOCALsignal is generated, the relay K1 changes position such that the system10b controls operation of the termination equipment 14.

The switching circuit 58 also includes the optoisolator O2, a group ofdiodes D4, D5, D6, D7, and a resistor R19 that determine whether thetermination equipment 14 is maintained in an off-hook or on-hookcondition. As discussed above, the optoisolator O2 generates the outputsignal LINEOH having one state indicating the equipment 14 is off-hook,and another state indicating the equipment 14 is on-hook. The LINEOHsignal is supplied to microprocessor U3, which uses this information tocontrol the state of the switching circuit 58.

A Darlington transistor pair Q2, resistors R11, R12, and R13, andcapacitor C8 are also included in the switching circuit 58. Thesecomponents allow for transmission of an audible dial tone from thecommunication line to the termination equipment 14 when it is off-hookand the system 10b is connected to the termination equipment.

The switching circuit 58 also includes a transistor Q3 and a relayswitching device K2:A, K2:B which allow the system 10b to transmitsignals to the pubic network when the system 10b is activated by theuser to transmit area code, toll or carrier information. Thesecomponents Q3, K2:A, K2:B also allow the system 10b to disconnect fromthe telecommunications network when the system 10b is deactivated (i.e.,no signal transmission from the system 10b to the telecommunicationsnetwork is required). Energization of a relay coil K2:A, which in turncontrols the operation of relay switch K2:B, is controlled by themicroprocessor U3. An output signal DRVOH is generated by themicroprocessor U3 when the termination equipment 14 goes off-hook. Thissignal is supplied to the base lead of a transistor Q3 as shown in FIG.6A. When the DRVOH signal is supplied to the transistor Q3, a signalindicating the off-hook condition of the termination equipment 14 istransmitted to the telecommunications network via resistor R5,transformer T1, relay switch K2:B, the public network interface circuit62, and jack J1.

The system 10b also includes the ringing detection circuit 56 shown inFIG. 6A having an ring detector integrated circuit U1, an optoisolatorO1 and associated passive components, all designated as block 56. Asmentioned above, the ringing detection circuit 56 determines whether thetermination equipment 14 is ringing, indicating the presence of anincoming call. The optoisolator O1 generates an output signal RING thatis transmitted to the microprocessor U3, thereby allowing themicroprocessor U3 to trigger the switching circuit 58 to connect thetermination equipment to the public or private telecommunicationsnetwork (communication line) for the duration of the ringing signal. Themicroprocessor U3 determines whether the call has been answered basedupon the LINEOH signal discussed above.

Before the signal is transmitted from the system 10b to thetelecommunications network, the signal is processed by the publicnetwork interface circuit 62 that is connected between the switchingcircuit 58 and jack J1. The interface circuit 62 is required by theFederal Communications Commission (FCC), Part 68, since thetelecommunications system 10b is connected to the publictelecommunications network. This interface device 62 provides thenecessary protection to the public telecommunications network from linetransients that may occur for various reasons. As shown in FIG. 6A, theinterface circuit 62 includes jack J1 connected to the conventional walljack 43 that provides access to the public or private telecommunicationsnetwork via customer premises equipment (CPE) (not shown). A fuse F1, ametal oxide varistor (surge protector) V1, and a bidirectional transientsuppresser (back-to-back zener diodes) VR1 are also included in theinterface circuit 62 to protect the telecommunications network from linetransients and undesirable signals that otherwise may damage thenetwork.

KEY 1 and KEY 2 shown in FIG. 6B provide connection for the push-buttonswitches 24, 26, 32, 34 to the electrical circuitry 18b. As discussedabove, the preferred embodiment of the external system 10b includes ninepush-button switches (three area code (AC) switches 24, three switchesused to select long distance carriers 32, one program switch 34, and twotoll switch 26). The KEYS 1 and 2 are operatively connected to themicroprocessor U3 via a parallel-to-serial converter U2 and a bay ofresistors R17 as shown in FIG. 6B.

Other electrical components included in the preferred embodiment of thecircuitry for the external system 10b include an integrated circuit U4shown in FIG. 6B which generates a reset signal RST which is used toreset the microprocessor U3.

Numerous variations in the present invention will occur to those skilledin the art. For example, the area code (AC) push-buttons 24 can beprogrammed to automatically choose a carrier and dial that carrier'saccess code. After transmitting a dial signal indicating the access codeinformation, the system 10 can be programmed to dial a preprogrammedarea code as well. Alternatively, the system 10 can be programmed toonly dial the access code and then allow the user to either manuallyinput an area code, or press another AC button to dial the desired areacode. The user can change the carrier access code information, ifdesired, using the programming steps set forth above for programming ofthe AC buttons. The present invention also allows a user to programinformation relating to prepaid calling card numbers in the system 10.The calling card information is stored in the memory device 22. Thisinformation can be programmed in place of carrier information in acarrier slot, or instead of area code information for an AC button.Thus, the user can trigger the system to dial the prepaid calling cardinformation by selecting the appropriate "carrier" corresponding to thecalling card information, or by pressing the appropriate AC button 24.This feature is particularly time saving when placing long distancecalls since some prepaid calling cards require a user to dial up to 20numbers before dialing the desired extension address. Other possibleconfigurations of the system 10 allow the user to dial a telephonenumber to update the carrier information or obtain informationindicating the carrier offering the least expensive rates for aparticular type of call. This information could be uploaded into thesystem 10 automatically by modem transfer. Alternatively, informationindicating rates charged by various carriers could be provided bycalling a customer service information center (e.g., calling an "800" or"900" telephone number), or by posting such rates on an Internet site.These variations are merely illustrative.

We claim:
 1. A telecommunications interface system operably coupled tocustomer premises termination equipment for controlling signaltransmission to a communication network, comprising a memory device forstoring data including area code information representative of at leastone area code; a data processing system operably connected to saidmemory device for performing input, processing, storage, output andcontrol functions on data stored in said memory device; at least onearea code push button switch operatively connected to said dataprocessing device, the number of area code switches being at least equalto the number of area codes stored in said memory device, each area codeswitch triggering said data processing device to retrieve informationrelating to a corresponding area code when actuated, and said dataprocessing device then transmitting a dial signal to thetelecommunications network representative of the area code informationassociated with the actuated area code switch.
 2. The telecommunicationsinterface system as set forth in claim 1, further including a visualdisplay device operably connected to said data processing system fordisplaying information based upon data stored in said memory device. 3.The telecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 2, whereindata representative of a plurality of access codes and a plurality oflong distance communication service providers are stored in said memorydevice, said access codes providing access to a long distancecommunication service provided by one of the long distance communicationproviders.
 4. The telecommunications interface system as set forth inclaim 3, wherein said display device displays data relating to one ofsaid long distance providers stored in said memory device.
 5. Thetelecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 4, furtherincluding means for changing data displayed on said display device toshow data relating to another long distance provider stored in saidmemory device.
 6. The telecommunications interface system as set forthin claim 5, further including means for selecting a desired longdistance communication service based upon presently displayed data onsaid display device.
 7. The telecommunications interface system as setforth in claim 6, further including means for transmitting a dial signalindicating the access code for the selected long distance communicationservice to the communication network.
 8. The telecommunicationsinterface system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means for changinginformation displayed on said display device includes a first manuallyactuated push-button switch and a second manually actuated push-buttonswitch that allow a user to selectively change data displayed on saiddisplay device by pressing said first or second switch, said firstswitch, upon actuation, triggering said data processing system to changedata displayed on said display device to data relating to a next longdistance provider stored in said memory device following the presentlydisplayed provider, said second switch, upon actuation, triggering saiddata processing system to change data displayed on said display deviceto the long distance provider data previously displayed before thepresently displayed provider data appeared on said display device. 9.The telecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid means for selecting a desired long distance communication serviceincludes a third manually actuated push-button switch operativelyconnected to said data processing system that is actuated when thedesired long distance provider data appears on said display device, saiddata processing system retrieving data associated with the selectedservice when said third push-button switch is pressed, and causing saidtransmitting means to transmit the dial signal based upon the retrieveddata.
 10. The telecommunications interface system as set forth in claim1 wherein said system is disposed in said termination equipment.
 11. Thetelecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidsystem is disposed inside a housing, said system being electricallyconnected between said termination equipment and said communicationnetwork.
 12. The telecommunications interface system as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said memory device is an electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory device.
 13. The telecommunicationsinterface system as set forth in claim 1, further including a manuallyactuated program push-button switch for triggering said data processingsystem into a programming mode when pressed by a user, and a pluralityof manually actuated dial keys on a keypad associated with saidtermination equipment in electrical communication with said dataprocessing system, said dial keys triggering said data processing systemto change data stored in said memory device when pressed by a userduring the programming mode.
 14. A telecommunications interface systemused in conjunction with a touch tone telephone set for controllingsignal transmissions between the telephone and a telecommunicationsnetwork, comprising a memory device for storing data including area codeinformation representative of one or more area codes; a data processingdevice operably connected to said memory device for performing dataprocessing functions on data stored in said memory device, and forcontrolling operation of said interface system; one or more manuallyactuated area code push-button switches operatively connected to saiddata processing device, the number of area code switches being at leastequal to the number of area codes stored in said memory device, eacharea code switch triggering said data processing device to retrieveinformation relating to a corresponding area code when actuated, andsaid data processing device then transmitting a dial signal to thetelecommunications network representative of the area code informationassociated with the actuated switch.
 15. The telecommunicationsinterface system as set forth in claim 14, wherein data including nameinformation identifying one or more long distance telecommunicationsservice providers and access code information for accessing a longdistance telecommunications service provided by each of said longdistance providers are stored in said memory device.
 16. Thetelecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 15, furtherincluding a visual display device operably connected to the dataprocessing system for displaying information based on data stored insaid memory device.
 17. The telecommunications interface system as setforth in claim 16, further including means for changing presentlydisplayed information on said display device to show name informationrelating to a different long distance provider stored in said memorydevice.
 18. The telecommunications interface system as set forth inclaim 17, further including means for selecting a desired long distancecommunications service based upon presently displayed name informationon said display device.
 19. The telecommunications interface system asset forth in claim 18, further including a manually actuated carrierpush-button switch operatively connected to said data processing devicefor triggering said data processing device to transmit a dial signal tothe telecommunications network representative of the access code for theselected long distance communication service upon actuation of saidcarrier switch.
 20. The telecommunications interface system as set forthin claim 19 wherein said system is disposed in a housing for thetelephone set.
 21. The telecommunications interface system as set forthin claim 19 wherein said system is disposed in a housing externallyconnected to the telephone set.
 22. The telecommunications interfacesystem as set forth in claim 14, wherein said data processing devicemonitors signals received from the telephone set indicating whether thetelephone set is maintained in an off-hook condition or an on-hookcondition.
 23. The telecommunications interface system as set forth inclaim 22, further including power source for supplying power to saidinterface system.
 24. The telecommunications interface system as setforth in claim 23, further including a ringing detector circuitoperatively connected between said data processing device and thetelecommunications network for monitoring signals received from thetelecommunications network to determine whether a ringing signalindicative of an incoming call is present, and transmitting a messagesignal to said data processing device indicating when a ringing signalis received.
 25. The telecommunications interface system as set forth inclaim 24, further including a switching circuit operatively connected tosaid data processing device, the telecommunications network and thetelephone set for routing and processing signals transmitted to and fromthe telecommunications network and the telephone set, said dataprocessing device controlling the operation of said switching circuitwhen said interface system is energized by said power source.
 26. Thetelecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 25, furtherincluding a dual tone multifrequency circuit operatively connectedbetween said microprocessor and said switching circuit for convertingsignals transmitted from said microprocessor to the telecommunicationsnetwork into a format readable by the telecommunications network. 27.The telecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 26 whereinsaid dual tone multifrequency circuit converts signals transmitted bythe telephone into a format readable by said data processing device. 28.The telecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 26,further including a manually actuated program push-button switchoperatively connected to said data processing device for triggering saiddata processing device into a programming mode of operation when pressedfor a predefined period of time, said data processing device changingdata stored in said memory device when in the programming mode basedupon information input by a user by pressing one or more keys on atelephone keypad associated with the telephone set.
 29. Thetelecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 14 wherein thedata stored in said memory device includes information relating to oneor more toll free codes used to place calls via the telecommunicationsnetwork free of charge.
 30. The telecommunications interface system asset forth in claim 29, further including one or more manually actuatedpush-button switches operatively connected to said data processingdevice, the number of said switches corresponding to the number of tollfree codes stored in said memory device, each of said switchestriggering said data processing device to transmit a dial signal uponactuation to the telecommunications network representative of the tollfree code associated with the actuated switch.
 31. Thetelecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 14, 19 or 30,further including a manually actuated program push-button switchoperatively connected to said data processing device for triggering saiddata processing device into a programming mode of operation when pressedfor a predefined period of time, said data processing device changingdata stored in said memory device when in the programming mode basedupon information input by a user by pressing one or more keys on atelephone keypad associated with the telephone set.
 32. Thetelecommunications interface system as set forth in claim 31 whereinsaid switching circuit is in one of six operational states, including afirst operational state allowing for signal transmission between saidtelephone set and the telecommunications network when said interfacesystem is not energized by said power source, a second operational stateoccurring when no signals are transmitted to or from saidtelecommunications network, signals transmitted by said telephone setare data processed by said data processing device, said telephone set ison-hook, and said interface system is energized by said power source, athird operational state allowing for signal transmission from thetelecommunications network to said telephone set, the third stateoccurring when the ringing signal is not detected by the ringingdetector circuit, and said telephone set is off-hook, and said interfacesystem is energized by said power source, said interface systemcontrolling signal transmission to the telecommunications network in thethird state when the user presses one of the keys on the telephonekeypad, area code switches or the carrier switch, a fourth operationalstate occurring after the third operational state expires when thetelephone set is off-hook and said interface system is energized by saidpower source, said switching circuit allowing for signal transmissionbetween the telecommunications network and said telephone set during thefourth operational state, said data processing device causing saidswitching circuit to exit the fourth operational state and enter thesecond operational state when said telephone set returns to the on-hookcondition, a fifth operational state occurring after the secondoperational state expires when a ringing signal is detected by saidringing detector circuit, said telephone set is on-hook, and saidinterface system is energized by said power source, said switchingcircuit allowing for signal transmission from the telecommunicationsnetwork to said telephone set for at least the duration of the ringingsignal, said data processing device causing said switching circuit toenter the second operational state after the ringing signal has expiredfor a predefined period of time, said data processing device causingsaid switching circuit to enter the fourth operational state if thetermination equipment goes off-hook, and a sixth operational stateoccurring when said data processing device is in the programming mode.